Meizu Slims iPod Beating M6, Refreshes nano Bashing M3

I like Meizu, it isn't afraid to 'take inspiration' from Apple and yet it implements designs, features and prices I have long wished Apple would replicate. Here are two more examples why...

Determined not to sit on its laurels, the progressive Chinese manufacturer has given the once over to both its M6 ('MiniPlayer') and M3 product lines.

Coming to the 'M6se' first, it remains the iPod we always dreamed of yet it is now no thicker than an iPod nano measuring just 7mm deep (0.02mm more than the nano, if we are being microscopically precise). To achieve this Meizu has reduced the current 700mAh battery to 500mAh but claims improvements to the se's internal components mean there is virtually no stamina penalty.

Elsewhere, despite the bulimic proportions, the M6se retains the same 2.4in QVGA display and FM tuner as the M6 and includes support for MP3, Wav, Ogg and AVI video. It will also ship with an 8GB flash memory capacity and has a remarkable $130 RRP (approx £65). Keep your eyes peeled for this one in August.

As for the 'M3se', it has had a similar form factor reduction, dropping down to 76 x 39 x 6.9mm (slimmer than a nano, by 0.08mm - for the record) again due to the switch from a 700mAh battery to a 500mAh one. The interface has been tweaked too to integrate all buttons into the main touch strip while the back now features a brushed metal scratch resistant coating. FM radio seen in the M3 remains as does the 1.5in 176 x 132 display.

The M3se will ship in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities and though no official RRPs have been announced, the M6se is dropping in comparison to the M6 so expect the M3se to (somehow) do the same. Quite where they can go from their original $65, $80 and $100 prices however is beyond me.